[damoperator]

How do you rig a anchovie for sturgeon? I have tryed a couple of times and they were to soft, and I could not keep them on the hook. Help!
thank you Damoperator

 

[Tacklebuster]

I rig it just like a smelt but with half the leader lenght. I use a 4/0 hook stuck through the base of the head. Stick the point back through the lips and expose the hook on the top of the head. I then half hitch it up and make my last half hitch tight on the tail to prevent spinning.

 

[damoperator]

Are you using fresh anchovies? I tryed this with frozen ones and they fell of the hook. Thank you for the help Damoperator A thought can you harden them up with a brine like hering?

 

[Tacklebuster]

I only use fresh. I am sure a little rock salt or bright and brine would harden those suckers up a bit

 

[Mr. Carp]

Tacklebuster is exactly right. WE do it exactly the same way and make sure you do the last one like he said on the tail to prevent spinning. I would recommend fresh bait as well.

 

[Time Off]

Thanks again Tacklebuster; The half hitch on the tail is key! :cheers: Makes the difference between a good presentation and a tangled mess :wink:

 

[5-Cents]

I use a bait threader and have the hook point sticking out of the mouth with the leader coming ou the anus I have room for about 3 half-hitches at the top. Like TB said make the last one tight. Then I like to wrap the bait with Ghost Cocoon stretchy thread this helps keep the bait flat and helps keep it on the hook/leader. I like using the GC brand because it is clear and can be secured without any half-hitches. Wrapping the bait also helps to when the sculpins are trying to steal your bait. Lastly it really hepls to use fresh anchovies in the estuary.

:cheers: